Page 32 of Marked By Obsession

My mother’s eyes found mine across the crowded room, and I watched as her expression shifted from polite interest in whatever story she was being told to laser-focused attention on Sutton. She excused herself softly, something I’d seen her do many times before, and began making her way toward us.

“Cain,” she said when she reached us, offering her cheek for me to kiss. I obliged. “You’re late.”

“Fashionably so,” I replied. “Mother, this is Sutton Prescott, head of Prescott Vantage.”

My mother stared Sutton down, as if she was studying every inch of her. “Ms. Prescott. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” Sutton replied, extending her hand. I suspected she was nervous, but there was no way to tell by looking at her.

“That would depend on your definition of ‘good,’” my mother said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she briefly took Sutton’s hand. “Cain rarely brings guests to these events. You must be… significant.”

I watched Sutton carefully, curious how she’d handle my mother’s not-so-subtle probe. I noticed that her shoulders jerked slightly but that was the only indication that she’d picked up on the fact that my mother was testing her.

“You’re too kind, Mrs. Ashcroft,” Sutton replied with a smile that matched my mother’s perfectly. “Cain has spoken highly of the foundation’s work. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support such a worthy cause.”

I watched my mother’s eyebrows lift slightly at Sutton’s response. She hadn’t expected such smooth deflection from someone she’d clearly intended to intimidate. It took everything in me not to smirk.

“Has he?” My mother’s gaze shifted to me. “That’s surprising. Cain rarely discusses the foundation’s work with… colleagues.”

The emphasis on that last word was subtle but unmistakable. My mother was fishing, trying to determine exactly what Sutton was to me outside of my recent acquisition of Prescott Vantage.

I caught Sutton’s eyes when they flicked toward me briefly before she turned her attention back to my mother. “Mrs. Ashcroft, I’m still learning the complexities of what it’s like to be a part of Ashcroft Group. He decided to invite me here tonight to introduce me to your foundation. I’m honored to be here.”

My mother’s eyes narrowed slightly at Sutton’s response. I could tell she was recalibrating her approach. “How thoughtful of him. Cain rarely does anything without having his reasons.” She turned her attention to me. “Cain, you’ve been avoiding me all week. I called your office three times.”

I kept my expression neutral to not give anything away. “I’ve been occupied with the Prescott Vantage acquisition.”

“Yes, I can see that,” she replied, as she tossed another glance Sutton’s way. “Ms. Prescott, I hope you’ll excuse us for a moment. There are some family matters I need to discuss with my son.”

Before Sutton could respond, my mother had already taken my arm. “I’ll be back shortly,” I told her. “Mingle. Make connections. That’s why you’re here.”

My mother led me away toward a quieter corner of the room, her smile never faltering for the benefit of onlookers. I knew this routine well. The public face of Katherine Ashcroft was impeccable, regardless of whatever storm might be brewing beneath.

“Really, Cain?” she said once we were out of earshot. “Howard Prescott’s daughter? Is this another one of your games?”

I sipped my champagne. “It’s business, Mother. Nothing more.”

“Don’t insult my intelligence. I know you. You don’t personally escort women involved in your business acquisitions to charity galas.”

“She’s valuable,” I said simply. “Talented. Well-connected.”

“And beautiful,” my mother added dryly. “How convenient.”

I turned my attention back to her. “What exactly are you concerned about?”

“That you’re going to keep messing around and get burned.”

I kept my expression neutral, even as my mother’s words hit a nerve. She always knew where to swing for maximum impact.

“I’m not ‘messing around,’ as you put it,” I replied, keeping my voice low. “Sutton Prescott is a strategic asset.”

My mother raised an eyebrow. “And the dress? The presidential suite? Those are also strategic business decisions, I assume?”

I should have known she’d have eyes and ears everywhere. “How did you⁠—”

“Please.” She waved her hand dismissively. “I make it my business to know what my son is doing.”

I glanced across the room to where Sutton stood, now engaged in conversation with someone I didn’t recognize, which raised my suspicions. Even from this distance, I could see she was holding her own beautifully.